Wild Rose Entertainment and DraftKings Inc.
announced today that they are partnering to offer sports betting at the three Iowa casinos operated
by Wild Rose. With the agreement, DraftKings becomes the Wild Rose retail and mobile partner
that will accept and process wagers on a wide array of sporting events.
DraftKings and Wild Rose received approval today from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
after submitting applications and documentation to move forward with their partnership
agreement to operate sportsbooks in Clinton, Emmetsburg and Jefferson.
“Sports betting is the most energizing change in Iowa gaming since the slot machine,” said Tom
Timmons, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wild Rose. “We couldn’t be more excited to be
the first Iowa casino company to partner with DraftKings, which we view as the most recognizable
name in sports gaming.”
Under the sports betting law enacted in May, each casino in Iowa is allowed – but not required – to
apply for a sports wagering license. As part of the license, casinos can have two mobile partners
with two “skins” or unique mobile betting web pages or mobile applications. Wild Rose chose to
partner with DraftKings after a thorough analysis of the sports gaming landscape across the nation.
“DraftKings is thrilled to work with Wild Rose to bring our online sportsbook product to sports fans
in Iowa,” said Matt Kalish, Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of DraftKings. “We look forward to
fueling fans’ passion and competitive spirit while building on the success we’ve seen in the other
states we serve.”
Iowa law requires customers to physically go to the casino to register for mobile sports betting until
Jan. 1, 2021. After that, they can sign up outside the casino. An important distinction in Iowa is that
sportsbooks are not permitted to accept college sports in-game wagers (commonly known as prop
bets) involving game statistics and individuals who play for any Iowa college including Drake
University, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. The
prohibition extends to opponents in games with Iowa schools. Pre-match betting on Iowa college
teams and their opponents however, is permitted.
“With DraftKings’ track record in mobile betting, we can reach more fans and customers who love
sports,” Timmons added. “We can’t wait to be up and running. Stay tuned for our next
announcement.”
About DraftKings
DraftKings is a global sports technology and entertainment company that believes life is more fun
with skin in the game. Its mission is to bring fans closer to the games they love via a unique
combination of daily fantasy sports, sports betting and media platforms that, combined, deliver
“The Game Inside the Game.” Founded in 2012 by Matt Kalish, Paul Liberman and Jason Robins,
DraftKings is headquartered in Boston, Mass., and offers daily fantasy sports contests across 13
professional sports in eight countries including the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia. Operating
pursuant to state regulations in New Jersey, New York, West Virginia, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania,
DraftKings Sportsbook mobile and retail, allows players in the state to engage in betting for major
U.S. and international sports.
About Wild Rose
Wild Rose is an Iowa-based gaming company that operates three casinos in Clinton,
Emmetsburg and Jefferson. Since opening its first casino in June 2006, Wild Rose has welcomed
more than 15.3 million people to its three properties with visitors from all 50 states and 27
countries. As a company, Wild Rose casino revenues have generated approximately $45 million
for community projects and organizations in Greene, Palo Alto and Clinton counties as well as
nearly $360 million in state and local fees and taxes.